Feedback

From Dumb to Rabid

OUR item about textonyms (27 November 2004) has inspired numerous readers who appear to have far too much time on their thumbs. Textonyms, you will remember, are the sets of words that a mobile phone with predictive texting would suggest for given sequences of key presses.

Thus we find Duncan Simpson lamenting that just before he finishes signing a message he is presented with the suggestion that the word he wants is “dumb”, and if he starts naming his wife Rachel, the phone comes up with “rabid”. It all gets a bit embarrassing.

In contrast, several romantically inclined readers celebrated the combination 5-4-7-7, which gives both lips and kiss. And many others have invited law-abiding friends out for a riot – when of course they meant a pint, or perhaps even a shot.

For reasons into which we will not inquire too deeply ...

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist